At our AGM last month our members decided, after twenty five unbroken years, to not stage the Grunty Fen Half Marathon in 2016.

We feel it is important to celebrate what had throughout its life been a high quality and much respected event in the road racing scene. I want to take this opportunity to thank you all for your considerable efforts in some cases over very many years that have been instrumental and invaluable in ensuring its success. Staging an event of this size and reputation takes a great deal of work from very many quarters, much of it goes unacknowledged and unappreciated by the attendees.

Over the years the Grunty Fen Half Marathon has been a catalyst for great good within the Community. Runners have raised countless sums for charity through sponsorship year after year after year. That likely dwarfs the direct charitable and community donations made out of the race receipts itself. Some runners have returned many times, others have made it their first and only half marathon. Whilst in some ways it is sad that the event has reached the end of its natural life let us be proud of what we have all achieved together.

Ely Runners plan to use the gap to reflect on the event and its place in the local running calendar. Since the club first staged the event much has changed. We now have a diverse club actively engaged in the community in many new ways, through its junior section, beginners courses and numerous club events. We will continue to stage our successful New Year’s Eve 10k Event as well as participate in local leagues and relays. We are fully committed to reaching out to and supporting our local community in ever more ways.